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Idle No More blockade returns

Idle No More protesters march across the Walterdale Bridge in Edmonton in December. Several protests and blockades similar to this one have taken place all over the country to raise awareness about the Federal government's Bill C-45. A second blockade on Highway 43, just outside of Valleyview will take place today. (David Bloom/ QMI Agency)

A second blockade planned for Highway 43 near Sturgeon Lake today in support of the Idle No More movement has the area’s MP concerned about the effectiveness of the protest.

While Chris Warkentin understands the frustration seen by thousands of First Nations people across the country, he says road blockades are not the best way to communicate issues.

“I’m not certain that any positive or comprehensive message can be communicated,” said Warkentin, who was in Grande Prairie Thursday. “I don’t think that is in anyone’s interest because I think there is a lot of frustration that can build up as a result of those types of actions.

“That type of frustration being experienced by everybody doesn’t lend itself to any type of a conversation that will lead to a positive outcome.”

Theresa Spence, chief of Attawapiskat, a northern Ontario reserve, has led the charge for the fight against Bill C-45, requesting meetings with Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Gov. Gen. David Johnston to discuss treaty rights.

Spence has been on a liquid-only diet for more than a month in protest of Bill C-45.

Warkentin says the meeting, which the prime minister agreed to Thursday, is the most effective way to resolve aboriginal issues surrounding Bill C-45, which has been dubbed the omnibus bill.

The bill alters land management systems in reserves and removes protection from thousands of lakes and rivers in Canada, say aboriginal leaders.

The blockade today, which is scheduled for 11 a.m., is the second held by band members, the first being on Dec. 26.

Band members will start at 10 a.m. with a gathering at the Sturgeon Lake Community Hall, where signs and posters will be made. Then, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., approximately 8 km west of Valleyview, at the band administration office, the road will be blocked. At noon, band members will then walk on the shoulders of the highway toward the Sturgeon Lake Community Hall for a celebration.

Organizer and self-proclaimed proud Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation band member Patsy Campbell says she expects more people today than last time.

“It affects all of us within our First Nations community,” said Campbell. “Something we are very proud and fond of is the lake itself...and (Bill) C-45 is going to impact water and land.”

Campbell says of the 2.4 million protected lakes and rivers in Canada, only 82 now remain, but she is unsure if Sturgeon Lake will remain protected.

As a result of a reportedly favourable response from motorists during the last blockade, Campbell says blocking the highway’s traffic is an efficient method to spread the word.

“It’s giving us the opportunity to distribute a pamphlet, which speaks to a number of the changes and various different bills that are being changed and how it impacts First Nations in general,” said Campbell.

“At this point and time, it seems to be the only way we can get their attention, unfortunately.”

As for the scope of the movement, Campbell sees it continuing until Aboriginal People across Canada are satisfied.

“The movement will continue to go,” she said. “The world is watching Canada...the movement is will continue until we get what we want, which is having our treaties honoured.”

She hopes the momentum of the Idle No More movement will not only change federal policy, but also change Canada’s mindset toward Aboriginal People across the nation.

“We’re not all drunken lazy bums,” said Campbell. “We do have very good jobs, we have homes, we can hold a job, we have the same things non-aboriginal people have and we continue to live a better life for the future generations to come.”